With college career fairs in full swing across the country, a few of DRMP’s recent interns, now employees, are passing on tips and insight they have gained from their internships at DRMP.
Your Drive to Succeed Is Important
While it is helpful to be knowledgeable about engineering, it’s your willingness to learn that counts, said Zach Mega, EI, a Project Engineer in DRMP’s Cary, North Carolina office. He advises young professionals to not stress out about feeling like you don’t have enough relevant experience to the positions you’re pursuing. “Demonstrating to a recruiter that you have the soft skills framework and personal drive to learn the hard skills of a job is a great way to get your foot in the door,” said Mega, who has been with DRMP since he was a college intern.
Embrace Every Professional Development Opportunity
Mega was pleasantly surprised with the opportunities DRMP provides its interns to attend relevant workshops, presentations and conferences and to earn useful accreditations.
“The thing I was most surprised about in making the transition was that learning never stops when you get your degree. I would argue it only goes up from there,” Mega said. “I look forward to learning about other project disciplines through hands-on experience and collaboration. I think knowing what goes into a project outside of your area of expertise only makes your work more accurate.”
Tia Lilliman, EI, a Project Engineer in DRMP’s Panama City Beach, Florida office agreed.
“You might be asked to try something you’ve never done before, but DRMP is a great resource for a variety of information. If you have a question, someone within the company has the answer.”
Use Your Previous Professional Experience
Some interns come to DRMP right out of college, others join the firm after working in different professions, like Joshua Carter, Project Engineer in DRMP’s Boca Raton, Florida office. Don’t be afraid to include that in your interview, it could give you a “leg up”
“My story is slightly different, as I have gone from the professional world to the classroom full-time then back to the professional world,” said Carter, who previously worked as a general manager at a paving company.
“This work sparked my desire and drive to go back to school,” Carter said. “In May 2020 I received my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, and I was an intern for a year. I chose DRMP because of the atmosphere I get to work in each day, the types of projects the office pursues and wins and the opportunities for career growth.”
His previous experience has helped him in his new engineering career. “My career running a paving company has helped in the design and implementation aspects of current projects. Mainly, my knowledge of pavement construction practices has helped with conflict mitigation during design phases of current projects,” said Carter.
Why Be an Intern at DRMP?
If you are looking to gain a head start in your career and learn at a firm where your ideas are valued, DRMP is the right place for you.
“The opportunity to work with DRMP came as a recommendation from a college professor, and when presented with the chance for a full-time position, it was a no-brainer to stay,” Lilliman said. “I have cultivated productive working relationships with professionals in every department of the company, and I feel like the environment facilitates growth.”
Remember, your drive and putting every skillset you have on the table and using it to your advantage can give you the edge to land that internship. Best of luck to all of the future interns and we hope to see some of you at DRMP.
